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ATASCADERO LAKE PARK<br />
Old-fashioned pedal boats dot this lake found within the 25-acre<br />
park in Atascadero. Perfect for a picnic, there is plenty of play space<br />
and even a zoo. Free concerts are performed regularly during the<br />
summer under the canopy of oak trees.<br />
OCEANO STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA<br />
This state park offers thousands of acres of dunes and many miles of<br />
beachfront for four-wheeling fun. And when the day ends, break out<br />
the firewood and settle in for the night during this unique stay on<br />
the beach in Oceano.<br />
PORT SAN LUIS<br />
With its shores sheltered within the bay, Port San Luis offers stand-up<br />
paddling and kayaking, as well as the Harford Pier, with fresh seafood<br />
and prime wildlife viewing. Nearby Avila Beach and the dog-friendly<br />
Old Port Beach are perfect for long, lazy days in the sun.<br />
OLD CREEK ROAD<br />
Dedicated road cyclists will not want to miss the 21-mile<br />
narrow and winding road leading to Cayucos. The ride can be<br />
extended for a 33-mile loop by connecting Old Creek Road,<br />
Green Valley Road and Highway 1. This one is for only the<br />
most experienced riders.<br />
THE EUCS PROJECT<br />
Committed mountain bikers, who can make the climb up the<br />
grade along the West Cuesta Ridge, will be treated to a mountainbike<br />
park complete with wooden ramps, berms and trails. This one<br />
is for the advanced rider. The little ones are much better off at the<br />
Morro Bay Bike Park (see below).<br />
MORRO BAY BIKE PARK<br />
This small-but-mighty bike park measures just one acre, but easily<br />
provides an entire afternoon of fun. Complete with cross-country<br />
obstacles, a flow track and a big-jump area, there is something for<br />
everyone and all skill levels at this facility.<br />
MORRO STRAND STATE BEACH<br />
Starting from Morro Rock and heading north, you will find one of<br />
the longest sandy beaches in <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>CAL</strong>®. Popular with surfers and<br />
kite boarders, the stretch is also the ideal place to log a long walk<br />
along the ebbing and flowing coastal tide, which often reveals a<br />
variety of seashells and wildlife.<br />
CERRO CABRILLO<br />
Avila Beach<br />
Standing proud at 911 feet, the volcanic plug is the tallest peak in<br />
Morro Bay State Park and serves as a year-round attraction for<br />
hikers and rock climbers, who love its rugged outcroppings and<br />
sweeping ocean views. This one may be a challenge for little hikers.<br />
THREE BRIDGES OAK PRESERVE<br />
West of Atascadero lies three miles of manicured trails, which<br />
leads hikers and equestrians through shaded oak woodlands,<br />
mixed chaparral and sycamore riparian habitats. The gentle climb<br />
is appropriate for most everyone with perhaps a small challenge to<br />
stroller-pushers.<br />
NIPOMO REGIONAL PARK<br />
Nothing has been left out of this 15-acre park, which is contained<br />
within a larger 137-acre preserve. Here you will find playing fields,<br />
tennis courts, playgrounds, a dog park, a botanical garden and a<br />
skate park. Additionally, the area is crisscrossed by a network of<br />
trails meandering through the surrounding oak woodlands.<br />
W.R. HEARST MEMORIAL STATE BEACH<br />
Taking in ample sunshine due to its south-facing orientation, this<br />
beach also offers a rustic public access pier and license-free sport<br />
fishing. Find the trailhead on the west end of the beach and follow<br />
the 1.5-mile path for a leisurely walk out to San Simeon Point.<br />
POLY CANYON<br />
Stroll along Brizzolara Creek near working ranchlands on the way<br />
to the quixotic Design Village behind Cal Poly’s campus, and take<br />
the ridge route up to the iconic “P” on the hill (the “P” is for “Poly”).<br />
From there, connect to the 6.5-mile Great Loop and drop down to<br />
Stenner Creek Canyon.<br />
LOPEZ LAKE RECREATION AREA<br />
An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise hides in the hills rising above<br />
Arroyo Grande. Since 1969, the 1,000-acre, man-made lake has<br />
served <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>CAL</strong> as the unofficial adventure headquarters for the<br />
South County, complete with fishing, camping, mountain biking<br />
trails, a waterslide park and a ropes course.<br />
<strong>SLO</strong> SKATE PARK<br />
As far as skate parks go, the multimillion-dollar facility in San Luis<br />
Obispo’s Santa Rosa Park is world class. The 15,500-square-foot<br />
skater’s paradise offers plenty of room for everyone, beginners and<br />
professionals, with ample room for Mom and Dad to have a seat and<br />
take in the action.<br />
IRISH HILLS NATURAL RESERVE<br />
No less than 13 miles of mixed-use trails beckon from the hills on the<br />
southern edge of San Luis Obispo. Hikers and mountain bikers are<br />
found in equal numbers on this network of old mining roads, which<br />
offers sweeping views and a close-up look at the local flora and fauna.<br />
76 | <strong>2019</strong> <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>CAL</strong>® VISITORS MAGAZINE